An explosion in the house of a weapon trader on Saturday led to the recovery of a large quantity of arms, explosives and equipment used to make weapons in Shamsher Gunj in Nahan.

The subsequent search operation led to the recovery of 3,000 live cartridges, four guns, four detonators and 232 kg pellets from the house of the trader whose licence expired in May. (HT Photo)

An explosion in the house of a weapon trader on Saturday led to the recovery of a large quantity of arms, explosives and equipment used to make weapons in Shamsher Gunj in Nahan.

Notably, the house is located barely 50 metres from the Sadar police station. As the cops heard the explosion, they rushed to house owned by a man named Imran Sheikh.

The subsequent search operation that lasted overnight led to the recovery of 3,000 live cartridges, four guns, four detonators and 232 kg pellets from the house of the trader whose licence expired in May.

Besides, 150 kg gun powder, potassium nitrate, sulphur, lead bricks and equipment to manufacture bullets were also seized. But their quantity was yet to be ascertained.

Following the recovery, police arrested Sheikh and his two brothers. Teams of forensic experts and army were called in to help the police identify the chemical substances.

Superintendent of police Soumya Sambasivan said three persons namely Imran Sheikh, Sarik Sheikh and Washik Sheikh, all brothers, had been arrested and booked under Sections 25, 26, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act.